Primary school teachers in government-owned schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on an indefinite strike after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, which expired without resolution.
According to the union, the strike, effective from September 18, 2024, is due to the failure of the Area Council Chairmen to meet several long-standing demands.
Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, NUT FCT Chairman, explained, “The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) deliberated on the issues affecting teachers and resolved to resume the suspended strike due to the non-response of the Council Chairmen.”
Key issues include:
- Payment of Minimum Wage Arrears: Teachers are owed 60% of the 25-month arrears.
- Salary Increase: The union demands the payment of the 25% and 35% salary increase arrears.
- Peculiar Allowance: Payment of the 40% peculiar allowance is yet to be implemented.
- Wage Award: Teachers are still waiting for the N35,000 wage award arrears.
- Correct Implementation of Agreement: The union wants the full implementation of the template on teachers’ entitlements agreed upon in 2022.
The strike will continue until these demands are met, Shafa confirmed, advising parents to keep their children at home until further notice.
“We urge teachers to remain calm and follow only union directives,” added Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, NUT FCT State Secretary.
The New Daily Prime also learned that if the strike continues, it could delay the release of results for incoming JSS 1 students, forcing thousands of children to remain out of school.
Attempts to reach the FCT Area Council Chairmen for comments were unsuccessful, as none responded to calls at the time of this report.
